What to Consider Before Undergoing Laser Eye Surgery

The eyes are one of the most important organs in the body as they help us see and understand the world around us. They’re also incredibly vulnerable to diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, which can impair vision. The treatment of disorders like these used to be very difficult, but with advances in technology, patients can have laser eye surgery to help restore their sight.

If you’ve spent many years battling with glasses or contact lenses and are finally thinking about getting Optimax laser eye surgery, you will probably have some reservations. With complications occurring in fewer than one percent of cases, it’s definitely worth taking the plunge.

To help put your mind at rest, here are some things to consider before undergoing laser eye surgery.

The doctor

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find out a bit more information about the surgeon who will perform your surgery. Feel free to ask questions about their experience, how many operations they’ve done, and their success rate.

Doctors should also be willing to share references, allowing you to verify what they have told you. During this meeting, it’s also a good idea to find about the risks and side effects associated with the operation as well as the advantages it can provide.

Pre-evaluation

Although there are a variety of surgeries available, around 20 per cent of people are not eligible for laser eye surgery. There are some diseases and conditions that could mean you’re unsuitable for treatment. All patients will undergo a pre-evaluation or assessment before surgery, but here are some of the top medical exclusions:

Crohns disease

Rheumatoid arthritis

Amblyopic

Collagen disease

Pregnant or breast-feeding

Diabetes

Blepharitis

The surgery

Laser eye surgery is a quick and painless procedure; patients should be in and out within 20 minutes. Despite being under a local anaesthetic and feeling no pain, some people report an itching sensation.

Post-operative

Provided there are no complications, you’ll be able to go home within an hour but it’s recommended that you rest for a couple of days afterwards. Patients must use the drops prescribed and ensure that they don’t rub their eyes.

As with all medical procedures, there are some side effects, such as dry eyes, glare, fluctuating vision and sensitivity to light. These side effects will usually wear off within 48 hours of the surgery.

The vast majority of people that undergo laser eye surgery are satisfied with the results and believe it has significantly enhanced their quality of life.